The Benue State Governor’s Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Media Mobilization, Atu Joseph, has suspended Mr. John Ukeyima, his chief of staff, and Mr. Lubem Terkula, his chief press secretary, with effect from June 14, 2025.
According to reports, they were suspended on Sunday, June 15, for participating in protest against the state’s recent killings, which was allegedly against the government’s position.
Joseph accused both officials in a formal letter of breaching his authority and betraying the duties that were assigned to them.
The suspensions will last indefinitely, and neither official will be allowed to perform any official functions or act as an official representative of the office during that time.
Their suspension follows mass protests in Makurdi, led by hundreds of youths in response to the brutal attack on Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The letter reads …
“This letter serves as formal notification of your immediate and indefinite suspensions from your position as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, effective today, June 14, 2025.
“This decision has been made due to your actions that have been deemed as working against the explicit directives of your Principal.
“Such conduct is a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.
During the period of this indefinite suspension, you are to refrain from all official duties and responsibilities, and you are not permitted to represent this office or me in any capacity”.
See photo below …
